Only the mentally ill know how to talk to the unwell about being sick. Only we know the questions to ask to gauge someone’s well being. I am just now beginning to try and communicate my mental health to those close to me. Before, I would just lie. I would tell people I had a bad cold or my allergies are acting up. I would make up all kinds of stories so I could just stay in bed. Looking back, I’ve been doing this since elementary school. I would try anything to get out of going to school. My reward for skipping school wasn’t hanging out with my friends or secret meetings with boyfriends. My reward was getting to stay in bed and not having to think or move.

My biggest mistake was never telling anyone. I can imagine it could be a bit of a shocker to find out…